Shelby Lynn solo performance at World Cafe will also include Q&A

By DENNY DYROFF, For the Journal Register News Service

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Last year, Shelby Lynne released her 13th studio album “Revelation Road” and went on tour in support of the disc. Lynne, who is performing at the World Café Live in Philadelphia on Nov. 27, recorded the album alone -- playing all the instruments herself.

“I made the whole record myself so why should I bring other musicians along on tour,” said Lynne, during a recent phone interview. “All my songs usually have their start with just me playing my guitar.”

After years of dealing with record labels, Lynne decided to form her own record label called Everso as an avenue to release her music without outside influence. “Revelation Road Deluxe Edition” is her new release on Everso that came out on Oct. 16.

In addition to “Revelation Road,” which was awarded four stars by American Songwriter and MOJO, the deluxe edition includes Lynne’s first-ever live album “Live At McCabe’s,” plus a “Live in London” DVD (shot at Union Chapel, London in February), a DVD containing Jason Harter’s documentary, one limited edition picture postcard and five bonus acoustic tracks.

“The ‘Deluxe Edition’ was more about putting out something live,” said Lynne. “All these years, I’ve never put out any live recordings. With doing the acoustic thing the last few years, I decided it would be a good time to record it. I never wanted to do a live LP with a band because it’s something I can’t control.

“With the solo shows, it was an opportunity to do something I’ve never done in my career. I was able to just stand there and sing songs like an old bluesman -- which is what I’d like to be. (Solo) has its good points -- more intimacy. It’s about the music and the audience.

“These shows that got recorded were definitely more intimate. I did them at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, which is a usual stop on my tours. It has a 200 person capacity so I did two nights. I just chose the one that sounded best. You get what you pay for. I wasn’t going to pick and choose or do any fixing.

“I also had this live DVD from London. It wasn’t audio-perfect but I just put it in the collection as is. You hear the room and my voice. Instead of a studio recording, you hear a real live show.”

If you want to hear Lynne’s music in its purest form, now is the time.

“I’m only doing five shows this time,” said Lynne. “In addition to my music, I’m going to play a little documentary I made. And, I’ll do Q&A for 20 or 30 minutes -- just for these dates.

“Next year, I’m going out with a group. I’m sure that at some point in my career I’ll do solo again. But, I have no idea when. My fans always know to expect something different. And, they know not to call out for songs. I don’t do that. I’m not a karaoke act.”

Shelby Lynne will perform Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. at the World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1400,philly.worldcafelive.com). Tickets are $35.